Liftgate with integrated rearview visibility

ABSTRACT

A disclosed system includes a liftgate housing; a tab of the liftgate housing moveable to an acute angle relative to a first portion of the liftgate housing; a tab aperture disposed in the tab; a first wall and a second wall attached to the liftgate housing, where the first wall, the second wall, and the tab form a barrier to prevent debris from entering into the housing; a camera, where at least a portion of the camera is disposed through the tab aperture, and where movement of the tab relative to the first portion of the liftgate housing adjusts the field of view of the camera.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/616,851, filed Nov. 25, 2019, which is a 35U.S.C § 371 National Stage Entry of International Application No.PCT/US2018/035911 filed Jun. 4, 2018, which claims the priority benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/515,413 filed Jun. 5,2017, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF ENDEAVOR

The invention relates to vehicle rearview visibility, and moreparticularly to rearview visibility for vehicles with liftgates.

BACKGROUND

Installing a liftgate in a vehicle may require the removal of a tailgateand/or bumper from the vehicle. An original equipment manufacturer (OEM)backup camera and/or proximity sensor may be installed in the tailgateand/or bumper. The use of the backup camera and/or proximity sensor maybe needed or desired by a user of the vehicle.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an apparatus disclosed herein comprises: a liftgatehousing; a tab of the liftgate housing, where the tab is moveable to anacute angle relative to a first portion of the liftgate housing; a tabaperture disposed in the tab; a first wall and a second wall attached tothe liftgate housing, where the first wall and the second wall aresubstantially perpendicular to the first portion of the liftgatehousing, where the first wall, the second wall, and the tab form abarrier to prevent debris from entering into the housing; a camera,where at least a portion of the camera is disposed through the tabaperture, and where movement of the tab relative to the first portion ofthe liftgate housing adjusts the field of view of the camera; one ormore proximity sensor mounts attached to the housing; one or moreproximity sensors, where the one or more proximity sensors are attachedto the one or more proximity sensor mounts; and one or more proximitysensor connectors, where the one or more proximity sensor connectors aredisposed about an outer diameter of the proximity sensor and through anopening in the proximity sensor mount created between the proximitysensor mount and the first portion of the housing.

In another embodiment, a system disclosed herein comprises: a liftgatehousing comprising a lip portion, where the lip portion comprises one ormore apertures; a cover attached to the liftgate housing; a camera mountcomprising a camera mount aperture to receive at least a portion of acamera; an upper guide attached to the camera mount, where the upperguide at least partially surrounds a portion of the camera body; a lowerguide attached to the camera mount, wherein the lower guide at leastpartially surrounds a portion of the camera body; a plate connected tothe lower guide, where the plate secures the camera to the camera mount;a first channel configured to fit into one or more of: the lip portionof the liftgate housing and the cover; a second channel configured tofit into one or more of: the lip portion of the liftgate housing and thecover; one or more proximity sensor mounts attached to the housingproximate the one or more apertures in the lip portion of the housing;and one or more proximity sensors attached to the one or more proximitysensor such that an end of the proximity sensor is aligned with theaperture in the lip portion of the housing.

In another embodiment, a system disclosed herein comprises: a covercomprising one or more apertures and an integral camera mount; a cameramount aperture disposed in the integral camera mount to receive at leasta portion of a camera; one or more proximity sensor mounts attached tothe cover proximate the one or more apertures; and one or more proximitysensors attached to the one or more proximity sensor mounts such that anend of the proximity sensor is aligned with the aperture in the cover.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become understood with reference to the followingdescription, appended claims and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in thefigures of the accompanying drawings, which may not be drawn to scale,and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a liftgate embodiment having acamera and a plurality of proximity sensors;

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of the liftgate of FIG. 1 with theplatform removed;

FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional view of the liftgate of FIG. 2A aboutline A-A;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of another liftgate embodiment with acover removed;

FIG. 4A depicts a partially exploded perspective view of the liftgate ofFIG. 3 with the camera, camera bracket, and proximity sensors separatedfrom the housing;

FIG. 4B depicts a close-up view of the proximity sensor and apertureabout B in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C depicts a close-up view of the camera, camera bracket, andaperture about C in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of a camera and camera bracket in afirst position;

FIG. 5B depicts a partial cut-away view of the camera and bracket ofFIG. 5A in the first position;

FIG. 5C depicts the camera and bracket of FIG. 5B in a second position;

FIG. 6 depicts a partially exploded rear perspective view of a coverwith the camera, camera bracket, proximity sensors, and proximity sensorbrackets separated from the cover;

FIGS. 7A-7B depict front and rear perspective views of a camera andcamera mount;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the camera and camera mount of FIG.8 installed in a housing of a liftgate embodiment;

FIGS. 9A-9C depict front, front close-up, and perspective close-upviews, respectively, of the camera and camera mount of FIG. 8 andproximity sensors installed in a housing of a liftgate embodiment;

FIGS. 10A-10C depict front perspective, rear perspective, and rearperspective close-up views, respectively, of a camera installed in anintegral camera mount of a cover and proximity sensors installed onsensor mounts of a liftgate embodiment;

FIGS. 11A-11E depict a detachably attached camera housing and camerahousing connector of a liftgate embodiment;

FIGS. 12A-12D depict a camera installed in a tab of a housing of aliftgate embodiment;

FIGS. 13A-13D depict bottom perspective, top perspective, front, andcross-section views, respectively, of an angled tab of a housing of aliftgate embodiment;

FIG. 14A depicts a bottom perspective view of the liftgate embodiment ofFIG. 13A with a camera and proximity sensors installed in the housing;

FIG. 14B depicts a top perspective view of the liftgate embodiment ofFIG. 13A with the camera and proximity sensors installed in the housing;

FIG. 14C depicts a front view of the liftgate embodiment of FIG. 13Awith the camera and proximity sensors installed in the housing;

FIG. 14D depicts a close-up perspective view of the liftgate embodimentof FIG. 13A with the camera installed in the housing;

FIG. 14E depicts a perspective cross-section view of the liftgateembodiment of FIG. 13C about line C-C with the camera and proximitysensors installed in the housing;

FIG. 14F depicts a close-up bottom perspective view of the liftgateembodiment of FIG. 13A with the camera installed in the housing;

FIG. 14G depicts a close-up perspective view of the liftgate embodimentof FIG. 13A with the proximity sensor installed in the housing;

FIG. 15A depicts a bottom perspective view of the liftgate embodiment ofFIG. 13A with the tab of the housing in a first position;

FIG. 15B depicts a top perspective view of the liftgate embodiment ofFIG. 13A with the tab of the housing in the first position;

FIG. 15C depicts a front view of the liftgate embodiment of FIG. 13Awith the tab of the housing in the first position;

FIG. 15D depicts a side cross-sectional view of the liftgate embodimentof FIG. 15C about line D-D; and

FIG. 15E depicts a close-up perspective view of the liftgate embodimentof FIG. 13A with the tab of the housing in the first position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the embodiments discloses herein and is not meantto limit the concepts disclosed herein. Further, particular featuresdescribed herein can be used in combination with other describedfeatures in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be giventheir broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied fromthe description as well as meanings understood by those skilled in theart and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

In one embodiment, a system is disclosed herein that includes a liftgatehaving a cover. The cover includes a plurality of apertures that may fita camera and/or proximity sensor to provide rearview visibility to auser of a vehicle. The camera may be mounted in a camera bracketproximate to an aperture and allow the user to adjust an angle of thecamera looking through the aperture relative to the liftgate. Theproximity sensors may be mounted in proximity sensor brackets to securethe proximity sensors through their respective apertures. The cameraand/or proximity sensor may be original equipment manufacturer (OEM)devices moved from existing locations. For example, mounting a liftgateon a truck may require removing a bumper, which may contain proximitysensors, and removing a tailgate, which may contain the camera. Byproviding brackets and apertures for mounting these OEM devices, theseOEM devices may continue to provide rearview visibility to a user of avehicle without the need for additional devices or modifications to thevehicle.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a liftgate 100 having a camera 102and a plurality of proximity sensors 104, according to one embodiment,the liftgate 100 may be mounted on a truck after a bumper and a tailgateof the truck are removed. The liftgate 100 includes a left upright 106and a right upright 108, which are mounted to the truck. A platform 110is secured in a stored position by a left latch 112 and latch pin 114and a right latch 116 and latch pin (not shown). Controls (not shown)may be located on the side of the liftgate 100 and are used to controlthe liftgate 100 and lower or raise the platform 110 relative to theuprights 106, 108. A cover 120 protects a power unit, tank, power cable,and hydraulic tubing used to raise or lower the platform 110.

The cover 120 includes a plurality of apertures 122, 124, according toone embodiment. The aperture 122 proximate the proximity sensor 104 mayhave a circular shape to receive the proximity sensor 104. The aperture124 proximate the camera 102 may have an oval shape to allow the camera102 to view through the aperture 124 in a variety of orientations, e.g.,to adjust the angle of the camera 102 relative to the liftgate 100 basedon the height of the liftgate on the truck, the desired rearviewvisibility, etc. The cover 120 may also include a license plate bracket126 for securing a license plate of the vehicle.

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of the liftgate 100 of FIG. 1 withthe platform removed, according to one embodiment. Uprights 106, 108 areattached to the vehicle in place of the bumper and tailgate. The camera102 has a view through aperture 124. The proximity sensor 104 is fitthrough aperture 122. While four proximity sensors and one camera aredepicted in this embodiment, any number of proximity sensors and camerasmay be used.

FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional view of the liftgate of FIG. 2A aboutline A-A. The camera 102 is mounted in a camera bracket 200, accordingto one embodiment. The camera bracket 200 may be used to adjust theangle of the camera 102 viewing through the aperture 124 relative to theliftgate.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of another liftgate embodiment 100with a cover removed. A power unit 301 including a pump and motor aredisposed in a housing 300, according to one embodiment. A tank 302 andpower cable 202 are also disposed on the housing 300 and placed behindthe cover.

FIG. 4A depicts a partially exploded perspective view of the liftgate100 of FIG. 3 with the camera 102, camera bracket 200, and proximitysensors 104 separated from the housing 300, according to one embodiment.FIG. 4B depicts a close-up view of the proximity sensor 104 and aperture122 about B in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C depicts a close-up view of the camera102, camera bracket 200, and aperture 124 about C in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of a camera 102 and camera bracket200 in a first position, according to one embodiment. FIG. 5B depicts apartial cut-away view of the camera 102 and bracket 200 of FIG. 5A inthe first position, according to one embodiment. FIG. 5C depicts thecamera 102 and bracket 200 of FIG. 5B in a second position, according toone embodiment. The camera bracket 200 may include at least one pivotconnector 500, a curved aperture 502, and an attachment 504. Theattachment 504 may be disposed in the curved aperture and may be, forexample, a nut and bolt. The camera 102 pivots 506 about the at leastone pivot connector 500 relative to the camera bracket 200.

A pivot angle of the camera 102 may be secured via the attachment 504 inthe curved aperture 502, according to one embodiment. The camera anglemay be adjusted based on the height of the liftgate, the desiredrearview visibility, etc. In some embodiments, the camera bracket 200may include at least one pivot connector 500. The camera 102 may pivotabout the at least one pivot connector 500 relative to the camerabracket 200. A pivot angle of the camera 102 may be secured via atightening of the pivot connector 500.

FIG. 6 depicts a partially exploded rear perspective view of a cover 120with the camera 102, camera bracket 200, proximity sensors 104, andproximity sensor brackets 600 separated from the cover 120. The licenseplate bracket 126 may include a plurality of apertures for securing alicense plate, according to one embodiment.

The proximity sensor brackets 600 may include a C-shaped opening forsecuring the proximity sensors 104 having a visibility through theapertures. While four proximity sensors 104 and one camera 102 areshown, any number of cameras and proximity sensors may be used. Thecover 120 is shown as having apertures for the cameras and proximitysensors. In other embodiments, the apertures may be provided in anadditional bracket and/or another portion of the liftgate as long as thedesired rearview visibility is maintained.

FIGS. 7A-7B depict front and rear perspective views of a camera 102 andcamera mount 700, according to one embodiment. The camera mount 700 mayinclude a camera mount aperture 702 to receive a portion of the camera102. The camera mount 700 may also include an upper guide 704 and alower guide 706 to at least partially surround a portion of the camera102 body. A connector 708 may be fixedly or detachably attached to thecamera 102 to provide power and transfer information, such as a videofeed, from the camera 102.

A plate 710 may be attached to the lower guide 706 to keep the camera102 in place in the camera mount 700, according to one embodiment. Afastener 712 may secure the plate 710 at a varying distance from thelower guide 706 so as to accommodate cameras 102 having varying depths.In some embodiments, the upper guide 704 and lower guide 706 may beadjustable to accommodate cameras 102 having varying dimensions. Inother embodiments, the upper guide 704 and lower guide 706 may be fixedto accommodate a specific camera 102.

The camera mount 700 may include a first channel 714 and a secondchannel 716, according to one embodiment. The first channel 714 and thesecond channel 716 may be fit into a portion of a housing, such as shownin FIG. 8 , according to one embodiment, and/or a portion of a cover,such as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, according to another embodiment. Thecamera mount 700 may have a set width and height to fit into the portionof the housing and/or cover, while the dimensions of the camera mountaperture 702, the upper guide 704, and/or lower guide 706 may be variedto accommodate various camera models. The camera housing 700 may includeone or more mounting apertures 718, 720, such as apertures to receive ascrew, nut, or bolt. The one or more mounting apertures 718, 720 may beused to connect the camera housing 700 to the housing, such as shown inFIG. 8 .

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the camera 102 and camera mount 700of FIG. 8 installed in a housing 300 of a liftgate 800, according to oneembodiment. The first channel 714 and second channel 716 are fit into alip portion 802 of the housing 300. A proximity sensor mount 804 may beattached to the housing 300 proximate an aperture 122 in the lip portion802 of the housing 300. A proximity sensor may be attached to theproximity sensor mount 804 such that an end of the proximity sensor isaligned with the aperture 122, such as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, accordingto one embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9C depict front, front close-up, and perspective close-upviews, respectively, of the camera 102 and camera mount 700 of FIG. 8and proximity sensors 122 installed in a housing 300 of a liftgate 900,according to one embodiment. The liftgate 900 includes a cover 120attached to the housing 300. The cover 120 includes apertures 122 forthe proximity sensors 104. A portion of the cover 120 may fit about thefirst and second channels of the camera mount 700, as shown in FIGS.7A-7B. The cover 120 may include a license plate bracket 126 forsecuring a license plate to the cover 120. The liftgate 900 may alsoinclude a left upright 106 and a right upright 108 attached to thehousing 300, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 10A-10C depict front perspective, rear perspective, and rearperspective close-up views, respectively, of a camera 102 installed inan integral camera mount 1002 of a cover 120 and proximity sensors 104installed on sensor mounts 1004 of a liftgate 1000, according to oneembodiment. The integral camera mount 1002 may be formed as part of thecover 120. The integral camera mount 1002 may include a camera mountaperture 1006 to receive a portion of the camera 102. The sensor mounts1004 may be attached to the cover 120 proximate an aperture 122 in thecover 120¬. The proximity sensor 104 may be attached to the proximitysensor mount 804 such that an end of the proximity sensor 104 is alignedwith the aperture 122. The proximity sensor mount 1004 may be anL-shaped bracket disposed below the aperture 122 on the cover 120,according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 11A-11E depict a detachably attached camera housing 1100 andcamera housing connector 1106, 1108 of a liftgate, according to oneembodiment. The camera 102 may be connected to a detachable camerahousing 1100. The detachable camera housing 1100 may have one or moreconnectors 1102, 1104 configured to fit one or more camera housingconnectors 1106, 1108, such as via a snap fit. The connectors 1102, 1104may be angled indentations configured to snap into correspondingapertures in the one or more camera housing connectors 1106, 1108,according to one embodiment. The housing 300 of the liftgate assemblymay include a cut-out having the camera housing connectors 1106, 1108disposed proximate the cut-out. Different detachably attached camerahousings 1100 may be sized to accommodate various original equipmentmanufacturer (OEM) or after-market cameras 102.

FIGS. 12A-12D depict a camera 102 installed in a tab 1200 of a housing300 of a liftgate, according to one embodiment. The housing 300 may havea first portion 1202, second portion 1204, and third portion 1206. Thefirst portion 1202 may hold one or more components of the liftgateembodiment, such as a power unit, tank, power cable, hydraulic tubing,and the like.

The first portion 1202 may be substantially parallel with a ground levelwhen the system is mounted to a vehicle, according to one embodiment.The first portion 1202 may include a tab 1200. The tab 1200 may be bentupward from the first portion 1202 at an acute angle. The camera 102 maybe mounted in an aperture of the tab 1200. The angle of the tab 1200relative to the first portion 1202 determines the angle of view of thecamera 102, which may be fixed or adjustable according to differentembodiments. In some embodiments, the angle of the tab 1200 may beadjusted 1208 to achieve a desired camera 102 field of view. Forexample, the angle may be decreased where the liftgate is mounted on avehicle having a higher suspension and increased where the liftgate ismounted on a vehicle having a lower suspension to achieve similar fieldsof view. The angle of the tab 1200 may be adjusted 1208 by bending thetab 1200 relative to the housing 300. The tab 1200 may be pre-bent to aset angle such that only minor additional adjustments may be needed inmost uses. In other embodiments, the tab 1200 may be substantially fixedin position. In some embodiments, the angle of the tab 1200 may beadjusted by a ratchet mechanism (not shown) or other adjustablemechanism.

The first portion 1202 may also include a lip portion 802. The lipportion 802 may be substantially perpendicular to the first portion1202, according to one embodiment. The second portion 1204 of thehousing 300 may be substantially perpendicular to the first portion 1202and substantially parallel to the lip portion 802 according to oneembodiment. The second portion 1204 may be distal from the lip portion802 according to one embodiment. The third portion 1206 may besubstantially perpendicular to the second portion 1204 and the lipportion 802 and substantially parallel to the first portion 1202. Thethird portion 1206 may be distal from the first portion 1202.

FIGS. 13A-13D depict bottom perspective, top perspective, front, andcross-section views, respectively, of an angled tab 1200 of a housing300 of a liftgate, according to one embodiment. FIG. 13D depicts a sidecross-section view of the housing 300 of FIG. 13C about line B-B. Theangled tab 1200 may be formed as part of the housing 300. A first wall1300 and a second wall 1302 may be attached to the housing 300. Thewalls 1300, 1302 form a barrier along with the angled tab 1200 toprevent debris or other materials from entering into the housing 300,according to one embodiment. The walls 1300, 1302 may be sized to allowvarious angled tab 1200 angles, such as 35-45 degrees, relative to thefirst portion 1202 of the housing 300 while maintaining this barrier,according to one embodiment. The tab 1200 angle may be adjusted 1208from parallel to the first portion to perpendicular to the first portion1202. One or more proximity sensor mounts 1304 may be used to attach oneor more proximity sensors.

The third portion of the housing 300 may be attached to an upper plate1306, according to one embodiment. The upper plate 1306 may be attachedto an L-shaped channel 1308. A cover, such as shown in FIG. 1 , may beattached to the lip portion 802, upper plate 1306, and/or L-shapedchannel 1308. The cover may also prevent debris or other materials fromentering into the housing 300, which may contain a camera, proximitysensors, and the like.

FIG. 14A depicts a bottom perspective view of the liftgate embodiment ofFIG. 13A with a camera 102 and proximity sensors 104 installed in thehousing. FIG. 14B depicts a top perspective view of the liftgateembodiment of FIG. 13A with the camera 102 and proximity sensors 104installed in the housing. FIG. 14C depicts a front view of the liftgateembodiment of FIG. 13A with the camera 102 and proximity sensors 104installed in the housing. The camera 102 is installed in the angled tab1200. The one or more proximity sensors 104 are installed on one or moreproximity sensor mounts 1304.

FIG. 14D depicts a close-up perspective view of the liftgate embodimentof FIG. 13A with the camera 102 installed in the housing. FIG. 14Edepicts a perspective cross-section view of the liftgate embodiment ofFIG. 13C about line C-C with the camera 102 and proximity sensors 104installed in the housing. FIG. 14F depicts a close-up bottom perspectiveview of the liftgate embodiment of FIG. 13A with the camera 102installed in the housing. The camera 102 may include one or moreapertures 1400 for mounting the camera 102. The angled tab 1200 mayinclude one or more corresponding apertures 1402 for connecting thecamera 102 to the angled tab. A connector, such as a nut and bolt, orscrew, may be inserted through the corresponding apertures 1400, 1402 toattach the camera 102 to the angled tab 1200. In some embodiments, theangled tab 1200 may have a plurality of apertures 1402 to adjust theposition of the camera 102 or to accommodate various camera 102 mounts.

FIG. 14G depicts a close-up perspective view of the liftgate embodimentof FIG. 13A with the proximity sensor installed in the housing. Theproximity sensor 104 may be disposed on top of the proximity sensormount 1304. A connector 1404, such as a cable tie, may be used to holdthe proximity sensor 104 to the proximity sensor mount 1304. Theconnector 1404 may go about an outer diameter of the proximity sensor104 and through an opening in the proximity sensor mount 1304 createdbetween the proximity sensor mount 1304 and the first portion 1202 ofthe housing.

FIG. 15A depicts a bottom perspective view of the liftgate embodiment ofFIG. 13A with the tab 1200 of the housing 300 in a first position. FIG.15B depicts a top perspective view of the liftgate embodiment of FIG.13A with the tab 1200 of the housing 300 in the first position. FIG. 15Cdepicts a front view of the liftgate embodiment of FIG. 13A with the tab1200 of the housing 300 in the first position. FIG. 15D depicts a sidecross-sectional view of the liftgate embodiment of FIG. 15C about lineD-D. FIG. 15E depicts a close-up perspective view of the liftgateembodiment of FIG. 13A with the tab 1200 of the housing 300 in the firstposition. The tab 1200 of the housing 300 may be in a first, unbent,position. The tab 1200 may then be angled relative to the first portion1202 of the housing 300 to a second position at a desired angled toachieve a desired camera field of view, as shown in FIG. 14A. The tab1200 includes a tab aperture 1500 for receiving at least a portion of acamera, as shown in FIG. 14A.

As those skilled in the art will recognize, the components and modulesused in certain embodiments disclosed herein can be made from rigid andsemi-rigid materials. The components and modules used in certainembodiments disclosed herein can be made from metals such as iron,aluminum, metal alloys. The components and modules used in certainembodiments disclosed herein can be made from metals such as iron,aluminum, metal alloys. The components and modules used in certainembodiments disclosed herein can be made from rigid and semi-rigidplastics.

It is contemplated that various combinations and/or sub-combinations ofthe specific features and aspects of the above embodiments may be madeand still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it shouldbe understood that various features and aspects of the disclosedembodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another in orderto form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Further, it isintended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed by wayof examples should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a liftgate housingcomprising one or more liftgate movement components; a camera mountdisposed in the liftgate housing for receiving at least a portion of acamera; and a camera mount aperture disposed in the camera mount,wherein the camera mount is configured to align the camera with thecamera mount aperture.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or moreliftgate movement components are configured to raise or lower aplatform.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more liftgatemovement components comprise one or more of: a power unit, a tank, and apower cable.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the camera mountcomprises a bendable tab.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the bendabletab is pre-bent to a set angle.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein afirst portion of the liftgate housing is substantially parallel with aground level when the system is mounted to a vehicle.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein a first portion of the liftgate housing comprises a lipportion.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the lip portion issubstantially perpendicular to the first portion of the liftgatehousing.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the liftgate housing furthercomprises: a second portion of the liftgate housing, wherein the secondportion of the liftgate housing is substantially perpendicular to thefirst portion of the liftgate housing.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein the second portion of the liftgate housing is substantiallyparallel to the lip portion, and wherein the second portion of theliftgate housing is distal from the lip portion.
 11. The system of claim9, wherein the liftgate housing further comprises: a third portion ofthe liftgate housing, wherein the third portion of the liftgate housingis substantially perpendicular to the second portion of the liftgatehousing and the lip portion and substantially parallel to the firstportion of the liftgate housing.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein thethird portion of the liftgate housing is distal from the first portionof the liftgate housing.
 13. The system of claim 4, further comprisingone or more walls.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or morewalls and the bendable tab form a barrier configured to prevent debrisfrom entering into the liftgate housing.
 15. The system of claim 1further comprising: one or more proximity sensors disposed in theliftgate housing.
 16. The system of claim 15 further comprising: one ormore proximity sensor mounts disposed in the liftgate housing; and oneor more connectors; wherein each of the one or more connectors aredisposed about an outer diameter of each of the one or more proximitysensors and through an opening in each of the one or more proximitysensor mounts created between each of the one or more proximity sensormounts and the first portion of the liftgate housing.
 17. A system,comprising: a bendable tab, wherein the bendable tab is adjustable froma first position to a second position, wherein the bendable tab issubstantially parallel to a first portion of a liftgate housing in thefirst position, and wherein the bendable tab is at an angle relative tothe first portion of the liftgate housing in the second position; afirst wall attached to the first portion of the liftgate housing; and asecond wall attached to the first portion of the liftgate housing;wherein the first wall and the second wall are disposed proximate thebendable tab to form a barrier configured to prevent debris fromentering into the liftgate housing.
 18. The system of claim 17, whereinthe bendable tab is at an acute angle relative to the first portion ofthe liftgate housing in the second position
 19. The system of claim 17,wherein the bendable tab is formed as part of the liftgate housing. 20.The system of claim 17 further comprising: a camera; and a tab aperturefor receiving at least a portion of the camera disposed in the bendabletab, wherein movement of the bendable tab relative to the first portionof the liftgate housing adjusts a field of view of the camera; whereinthe first wall and the second wall are substantially perpendicular to atleast one of: the first portion of the liftgate housing and the bendabletab.